Matrix protein

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In virology, matrix protein (often abbreviated as M protein) is the name given to those proteins that line the inside of a virus envelope and often also interact with the inner capsid or ribonucleoprotein and the inner parts of the envelope proteins . The space between the capsid and the virus envelope is also known as the matrix space. Additional protein layers that build up from the capsid and lie in this matrix space, on the other hand, are called teguments .

properties

Matrix proteins are partially anchored in the lipid layer of the virus envelope ( membrane proteins ), but in contrast to the envelope proteins themselves, they usually do not have any protein domains that protrude outwards. Some matrix proteins are peripheral membrane proteins on the inside of the virus envelope, e.g. B. the matrix protein 1 . As transmembrane proteins can properties of ion channel have such as the M2 proton channel of influenza virus A .

Matrix proteins are characteristic of RNA viruses , for example of the families Orthomyxoviridae , Paramyxoviridae and Coronaviridae . In retroviruses , too , they are an important part of the particle structure. Especially during the encapsulation of the capsid, the matrix proteins often mediate the bond between the capsid and the envelope and thus enable the so-called “budding” of the mature virus particles. In viruses with asymmetrically, helically or segmentally structured nucleoproteins, matrix proteins ensure a stable round shape of the virion, regardless of the shape of the capsid or the nucleoproteins. In the case of viruses with several helical capsids (ortho- and paramyxoviruses), stability of the virus envelope is made possible by means of matrix proteins.

literature

  • AJ Cann: Replication of Viruses. In: Brian WJ Mahy and Marc H. van Regenmortel (eds.): Encyclopedia of Virology , 3rd Edition, San Diego 2008, Volume 4, pp. 406ff, ISBN 978-0-12-373935-3 .
  • SJ Flint, LW Enquist, VR Racaniello, and AM Skalka: Principles of Virology. Molecular Biology, Pathogenesis, and Control of Animal Viruses. 2nd edition, ASM-Press Washington DC 2004, pp. 116f, ISBN 1-55581-259-7 .